Virginia Briggs appointed new CEO of MinterEllison

After taking on the acting CEO role at one of Australia's leading law firms MinterEllison following the abrupt departure of Annette Kimmitt in March, seasoned property lawyer Virginia Briggs will now assume the top job on a permanent basis.

Briggs has practised as a solicitor for the past 31 years, is also currently MinterEllison's head of infrastructure, construction and property, and has been a member of the firm's executive leadership team since 2017.

She was given the acting CEO position following the departure 'by mutual agreement' of Kimmitt, who had expressed criticism via an internal email of the firm opting to represent then Attorney General Christian Porter over rape allegations, only to have the email leak sparking a backlash.

MinterEllison Chair David O'Brien highlights Briggs' deep knowledge and understanding of the firm, as well as legal and professional services, and her successful track record in practice leadership, growing businesses and developing people.

"I'm delighted to announce that Virginia Briggs has been appointed by the partnership as our CEO and managing partner," O'Brien says.

"She is recognised within the firm as a leader of integrity grounded in a respect for the law, with commercial acumen, and possessing a strong sense of social responsibility."

Briggs, a second-generation partner whose father was a partner in MinterEllison's Canberra office, says she is humbled and privileged to be appointed to the new leadership positions.

"My goal as CEO is to see the firm as the market-leading brand in our chosen markets and industries, and to be known by clients, and broader communities for consistently delivering our best work while redefining the boundaries of legal practice," she says.

"We will continue to strive to be the leading law and consulting firm in all areas of our practice."

Briggs received far-reaching support from the partners as part of a formal voting process.